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Easy Crusty Italian Bread

Cross-section showing the open, airy crumb structure of the amazing 5-minute Italian bread with a dark, crusty top.
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Make bakery-style Italian bread at home with a crisp crust and a soft, chewy interior. This recipe is simple enough for beginners.

Ingredients

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  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, and salt together.
  2. Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape it into a loaf or two smaller rounds. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Cover the loaf loosely and let it rest for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) during this rest time. Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack for steam.
  7. Before baking, lightly score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Pour 1 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
  9. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For an extra crispy crust, spray the oven walls with water three times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • If you do not have instant yeast, use active dry yeast and let it proof in the warm water for 5 minutes before adding the flour.
  • This bread is excellent served warm with pasta sauce or used for hearty sandwiches.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tasteportfolio.com/easy-crusty-italian-bread-recipe/